Teck has been taking action for several years to address water quality in the Elk Valley. We have constructed three water diversions at our operations to keep clean water clean and have constructed our first full scale water treatment plant at our Line Creek Operations, which began operating in 2016. We are in the process of implementing one of the largest water quality management programs of its kind in the world in order to meet the challenge of protecting the health of the Elk River watershed. The tactics and technologies we will be using can be found in the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan, approved by the B.C. Government in November 2014.

Selenium gets into the watershed when rock that is exposed to the elements – water and air – under goes oxidation. This process naturally releases selenium from the rock which can leach into surrounding soils, surface water and groundwater. Some of this selenium can be carried by rain or melting snow into the watershed. The mining process exposes large volumes of rock to water and air, resulting in the release of selenium that ultimately ends up in the watershed.

Existing studies and monitoring indicate that selenium concentrations and other indicators of water quality within the watershed are at levels that have not affected populations of fish and other sensitive aquatic animals. Regardless of current conditions, action is necessary to ensure that concentrations do not increase to levels that could affect sensitive aquatic populations.

You can send us your comments, suggestions and questions. Further detail regarding consultation during implementation of the Plan will be posted on this site in the future.

These substances are below levels that would affect populations of fish and other sensitive animals and plants in the Fording and Elk rivers, and are not considered a human health concern.

Selenium is a naturally occurring element that is essential and beneficial for all animals, including humans. Selenium’s main purpose in the human body is to help protect our cells from damage and keep our immune system working properly. The average North American gets sufficient selenium in their daily diet. Foods such as tuna and whole wheat flour are high in selenium. However, selenium can be harmful to the reproductive processes of aquatic wildlife when concentrations are too high.

Naturally-occurring materials that can enter the watershed as a result of mining are selenium, cadmium, sulphate and calcite. Nitrate, which results from the blasting process in mining, can also enter the watershed. Management of each of these substances is addressed in the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan.

In accordance with the Plan, we are implementing aquatic monitoring, water quality testing and various water quality management measures in order to achieve our targets. This work is expected to include construction of water diversions and water treatment facilities including the facility that has been built at our Line Creek Operations. Additional water treatment facilities are planned and include one at Fording River Operations and at Elkview Operations.

On November 18, 2014, the B.C. Ministry of Environment approved an area based management plan, called the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan (the Plan), developed by Teck to address the management of water quality constituents released by mining activities throughout the Elk River watershed.

Development of the Plan was informed by scientific advice received from a Technical Advisory Committee chaired by the B.C. Ministry of Environment, and including representatives from Teck, Environment Canada, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, State of Montana, Ktunaxa Nation, other provincial ministries, and an independent scientist. Public input was received through three phases of consultation conducted in Elk Valley communities.

The Plan establishes short, medium and long-term water quality targets which are protective of the environment and human health for selenium, nitrate, sulphate and cadmium, as well as a plan to manage calcite formation. The approved Plan is a public policy document that will guide future regulatory decision making regarding water quality and mining in the Elk Valley.

Teck is implementing aquatic monitoring, water quality testing and various water quality management measures in order to achieve the target levels in the Plan. This work is expected to include construction of water diversions and water treatment facilities at a number of our Elk Valley Operations, including:

• A water treatment facility at Line Creek Operations; commissioning of the facility is expected in the fall of 2015
• A water treatment facility at Fording River Operations, planned for 2018
• It is anticipated a water treatment facility will be necessary at Elkview Operations following the Fording River facility

Cadmium is an element that occurs naturally in rock and is most commonly used in batteries. Increased concentrations may affect aquatic health. Sulphate is a naturally occurring substance containing sulphur and oxygen that can be found in mine runoff water. Nitrate is a salt that is a byproduct of the blasting process at mines. It can have a negative effect on aquatic health in high concentrations. Calcite is a hard, rocky substance that can form on riverbeds, the same mineral that forms in tea kettles or water heaters in homes with hard water. Calcite formation can be accelerated by runoff water from mines. It is not a health concern, but can impact fish habitat.